OF REBEL NATIVES, ETC.

F.— So.

43

I quite concur with you in the remarks you make touching the energy and determination displayed by Eopata and his men. The record of his expedition in January last, as given in Captain Porter's diary, and the reports of his present march, evince an indomitable perseverance not often surpassed. I also concur with you in your appreciation of the services rendered by Captain Porter. His diary, a most interesting one, and vividly pourtraying difficulties and hardships attendant on bush warfare in the interior, will be printed. I have no doubt that if Te Kooti's band was anywhere about "Waikare-Moana, when Major Cumming moved, that officer's advance will have had the effect of adding to the chances of its coming across one of Major Eopata's scouting parties; but in such a country it is impossible to calculate even upon the probability of a capture which has hitherto evaded all efforts. The Government feels deeply indebted to yourself for the able manner in which you have directed the operations in that part of the country, resulting as they have done not only in establishing confidence on the part of out-settlers in the East Coast District, but in anticipating contemplated attacks on Poverty Bay and elsewhere that might have proved disastrous. I have, &c, His Honor J. D. Ormond, Napier, Donald McLean.

No. 49. Inspector Roberts to the Under Secretary for Defence. District Office, Sir,— Tauranga, 26th July, 1871. I have the honor to forward the attached report for the information of the Hon. the Defence Minister. Captain Mair reports that owing to his being suddenly ordered into the Urewera country, he has not been able to furnish the map referred to in his report, but will do so on his return. I have, &c, The Under-Secretary, J. M. Roberts, Inspector A.C., Defence Office, Wellington. Commanding Tauranga District.

Enclosure in No. 49. Captain Mair to the Officer Commanding Tauranga District. Sir, — Camp Kaiteriria, July 11, 1871. I have the honor to make the following report for the information of the Government. I left Kaiteriria on May 23rd, with fifty-four men, met Captain Preece, on 24th, with sixty-six men. Started from Fort Galatea on 25th, and reached Ahikereru on 26th. Sent letters to the Urewera at once, and followed next day. 20 men a-head with hatchets clearing the road, which was nearly impassable through fallen trees and heavy undergrowth. Surprised an Urewera named Whiripo, at Manawahiwi, and camped for the night in the Okahu Gorge. 28th. —Heavy frost, very cold wading the rivers ; ascended the Tarapounamu range and reached Tahuaroa, overlookiug Ruatahuna, at 1 p.m. Descended to Oputao, and camped. Raining heavily all night and next day, rivers too flooded to march, and no shelter obtainable. 30th.—Reached Tatahoata at 10 a.m.; were well received by Paerau, Whenuarui, Te Haunui, Te Ahikaiata, and the Ruatahuna people, who had all assembled upon receiving our letters. June Ist and 2nd.—Spent in korero, the Urewera declining to assist in the capture of Te Kooti, but pledging themselves to prevent his passing through their country, or taking refuge in it, They stated that this is the first time for many years that they have been at peace with the Europeans ; hitherto they have lived in caves and holes in the ground, but now their only desire is to live in peace and give their undivided attention to building houses and planting food, and as a proof of their sincerity, they invited us to go through the whole of their country. 3rd. Heavy Easterly gale, rivers still too high to march. Buried the remains of Capt. Travers and four men, who fell in the attack on Tatahoata, in Ma)-, 1869. Received a letter from Kereru, written from Maungapowhatu, telling us to go back ; Paerau told us to pay no heed to it, but to go on. 4th. Marched at dawn, travelled over very rough ground and camped at the foot of Huiarau. sth. Ascended Huiarau through dense fog and sleet. Struck the Waikare-Moana Lake at Hereheretaunga near Mahungarerewai. Crossed to Tikitiki in the whaleboats and two canoes. Met Te Makarini and his people at Waitohi at 4.30 p.m., and received a warm welcome. 6th. Crossed to Onepoto, and Captain Preece, with eighteen men went down to Te Wairoa for provisions. 7th to 15th. Scouting the surrounding country and visiting the settlements on the lake. Six Chatham Islanders, who left Te Kooti last spring, brought us great quantities of fat pigeons and kakas. Captain Preece returned on the 13th. Heavy gale, boats nearly swamped in crossing the Lake. Had to wait at Te Onepoto till night of the 14th before we could get back. 16th. Crossed the men to Whanganui and started up the Haupuruwahine River. Heavy rain and snow, very cold.